Bareilly Police Register FIR in Spa Extortion Case Involving Cafe Assault Accused
Police in Bareilly have taken decisive action by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against Rishabh Thakur, the primary accused in the high-profile Bareilly cafe assault case, along with his associate Ashu Yadav and three unidentified individuals. The charges stem from an alleged extortion attempt where they demanded Rs 40,000 from a spa centre operator located in the Baradari area of the district.
Complaint and Initial Investigation Details
According to official statements, the complaint was formally lodged by an employee of the spa centre, prompting police to initiate legal proceedings. "A complaint was filed by an employee of the spa centre, following which the FIR was filed," confirmed City Manush Pareek in an interview with TOI. The incident came to light after a video, purportedly recorded inside a spa operating on the second floor of a private hospital, began circulating widely.
Upon learning of the video's existence, law enforcement officers promptly visited the premises and, as a precautionary measure, ordered the immediate closure of the spa. During the initial inspection, authorities reported that no objectionable items were discovered. However, a separate and thorough probe into the spa's activities has been launched to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Audio Clip Emerges and Forensic Analysis
The situation escalated a day later when an audio clip surfaced on various social media platforms. In this recording, the caller, identified as Ashu, allegedly made explicit demands for Rs 40,000, claiming that the video could be removed and the spa permitted to reopen in exchange for the payment.
In response, SHO Dhananjay Pandey stated that both the video and audio evidence have been sent for comprehensive forensic analysis. "We are examining who recorded and uploaded the content. Further action will be taken based on the evidence gathered," he emphasized, highlighting the police's commitment to a meticulous investigation.
Background: Rishabh Thakur's Criminal History and Externment
This latest development is not an isolated incident for Rishabh Thakur. In a significant move, he was recently externed from Bareilly for six months under the stringent provisions of the Goonda Act, citing his extensive criminal history. Police officials escorted him to the Budaun border with strict instructions prohibiting his re-entry into the city during the externment period.
Thakur's notoriety traces back to December, when he allegedly disrupted a nursing student's birthday party at a local cafe and assaulted two of her male friends over accusations related to "love jihad". The incident sparked widespread public backlash on social media, leading to an FIR being registered against him. Following the outcry, Thakur surrendered in court.
Details of the Cafe Assault Incident
On December 27, Thakur, accompanied by several aides, forcibly entered the city café where the nursing student was celebrating her birthday with friends, including two male students from a minority community. The group created a major disturbance and is accused of physically assaulting the woman's friends. A purported video of this assault was extensively shared online, amplifying public outrage.
After the incident, Thakur went absconding. Police subsequently obtained a non-bailable warrant against him from the court and posted a notice at his residence. On January 16, bowing to sustained social media pressure, Thakur surrendered before the court and was remanded to judicial custody. He was later granted bail upon completion of the custody period, after which the externment action was implemented.
Victim's Statement and Emotional Impact
In the aftermath of the assault, the nursing student shared her profound distress with TOI. "I feel deeply ashamed that my friends were harassed and assaulted for their faith. I'm afraid to even leave the house alone. It has ruined my image everywhere. Who gave these men the right to decide who I should be friends with?" she expressed.
She further clarified that she had organized the party with her parents' permission, who had no objections to her friendships. "They know who my friends are. If they have no objection, then who are these men to try to guide me?" she questioned, adding that neither her upbringing nor her profession teaches her to judge or differentiate between people based on background.
Political and Organizational Connections
Rishabh Thakur had previously projected himself as a cow vigilante and was associated with the Bajrang Dal. However, in the wake of the café incident, the right-wing organization issued a formal statement asserting that "he had already been expelled" from their ranks, distancing themselves from his actions.
SSP Anurag Arya provided context on the police's approach, stating, "Considering the man's criminal antecedents, action under the Goonda Act was taken against him. He was released from jail, and prohibited from entering the district." This underscores the authorities' focus on leveraging legal measures to curb recurring criminal behavior and ensure public safety.
